ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-DB96) vs MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI (Crosshair)
Comparison summary
- Crosshair 18 HX AI is the better value option.
- For performance ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better performing processor. Crosshair 18 HX AI features more memory.
- Crosshair 18 HX AI has Windows 11 Pro, which is superior to Windows 11 Home that is in ROG Strix G18.
- For graphics performance ROG Strix G18 has a faster graphics card.
- Crosshair 18 HX AI has a higher resolution screen (Quad HD Plus).
- Crosshair 18 HX AI is thinner and smaller in size.
- Crosshair 18 HX AI has a bigger SSD.
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-DB96)
MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI (Crosshair)
Compare specifications
| ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-DB96) | MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI (Crosshair) |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU)?Central Processing Unit is the heart of a laptop and is responsible for executing programs. Read more | |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Memory (RAM)?Memory increases the general speed and multiprocessing capabilities of a laptop. Read more | |
| 32gb | 64gb |
| Graphics card (GPU)?Graphics Processing Unit calculates 3D graphics and is essential for gaming and heavy programs. Read more | |
| GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | GeForce RTX 5070 |
| Screen size | |
| 18″ | 18″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) | Quad HD Plus (3200 x 1800 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| 7.05 lbs (3.2 kg) | - |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 15.71 x 11.73 x 1.26 inches | 15.9 x 11.02 x 1.17 inches |
| (39.9 x 29.79 x 3.2 cm) | (40.39 x 27.99 x 2.97 cm) |
| Operating system (OS) | |
| Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Hard drives | |
| 1000gb SSD | 4000gb SSD |
| Release date | |
| July 4, 2026 | December 17, 2025 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $3,299.00 | $3,069.00 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $3,299.00 | $3,069.00 |
| Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.com |
Laptop Dimensions
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-DB96)
MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI (Crosshair)
Compare ASUS ROG Strix G18 / MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI vs other gaming laptops:
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-DB96) summary
ASUS ROG Strix G18 is a fine value Windows gaming laptop released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card that is superb for gaming. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a superb Intel processor, but less RAM than the competition for its price. Quad HD resolution is acceptable for the 18″ screen. Your 1000gb SSD storage is ok but could be higher. It is light enough at 7.05 lbs (3.2 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix G18 Gaming Laptop, 18” ROG Nebula Display 16:10 2.5K 300Hz/3ms, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Win11 Home, G815LR-DB96
CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMANCE – Experience next-level performance with Windows 11 Home, an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 290HX Plus, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask seamlessly with 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory and store all your game library on 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD, with raw throughput up to 7,000MB/s.
PREMIUM ROG NEBULA DISPLAY – Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with the ultra-fast 300Hz display for gaming, creation, and entertainment. Featuring a new ACR film that enhances contrast and reduces glare.
STATE-OF-THE-ART ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – ROG’s advanced thermals keep your system cool, quiet and comfortable. State of the art cooling equals best in class performance. Featuring an end-to-end vapor chamber, sandwiched heatsink design, and Tri-Fan technology.
CUSTOMIZEABLE FULL-SURROUND RGB LIGHTBAR – Showcase your style with a full-surround RGB light bar that syncs with your keyboard and ROG peripherals. In professional settings, Stealth Mode turns off all lighting for a sleek, refined look.
UPGRADE WITH TOOLESS ACCESS – Upgrade components with easy access to RAM, SSD, and fans by sliding a latch on the bottom half of the device. A removable frame protects other hardware and offers deeper access for advanced users.
MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS – A MUX Switch boosts gaming performance by 5-10% by routing frames directly from the dGPU. Advanced Optimus improves battery life by automatically switching between the iGPU and dGPU based on the task, without restarting.
2 MONTHS OF GAME PASS PREMIUM INCLUDED – Includes two months of Xbox Game Pass Premium, so you can start playing new titles right away. Enjoy access to 200+ high-quality games across many genres. Terms apply*
*Claim within 30 days of activation. New and eligible returning members only. Valid payment required. Subscription auto-renews unless cancelled. xbox.com/subscriptionterms. New CoD titles join library 12+ months after launch. Benefits and game library vary by plan, region, device. Game must be installed for in-game benefits. Cloud Gaming requires subscription and supported device. Select regions only. Rewards: terms apply, Microsoft Account required. 18+ for gameplay rewards.
ASIN: B0H7MDW3F1
MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI (Crosshair) summary
MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI is a superb value gaming laptop with Windows 11 Pro released in 2025. It has the GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card that is acceptable well-suited for playing games. You can run 80% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a superb Intel processor plus a decent amount of memory for its price. Quad HD Plus resolution is superb for the 18″ 240 Hz IPS screen. Your 4000gb SSD storage is a remarkable amount.
msi Crosshair 18 HX AI Gaming Laptop 18" QHD+ IPS 240Hz Intel 24-core Ultra 9 275HX (>i9-14900HX) 64GB DDR5 4TB SSD GeForce RTX 5070 (Up to 798 AI Tops) RGB Backlit Thunderbolt Win11Pro ICP Acc
64GB RAM | 4TB SSD
Equipped With The Most Powerful and Fast Intel 24-core Ultra 9 275HX Processor
18" QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS 240Hz (100% DCI-P3), Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB GDDR7 Graphics
1 x Thunderbolt 4, 3 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet
Windows 11 Professional, 24-zone RGB Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E, Nahimic 3 / Hi-Res Audio, HD Privacy Camera, Auth USB-C Hub
ASIN: B0G4VRVQTL